Welsh Government commits to developing co-ops and mutuals

The Welsh government has committed to adopting the recommendations of a report on developing the co-operative and mutual business model in Wales, economy minister Edwina Hart has announced....

The Welsh government has committed to adopting the recommendations of a report on developing the co-operative and mutual business model in Wales, economy minister Edwina Hart has announced.

The report by the Welsh Co-operative and Mutuals Commission sets out 25 recommendations on creating a culture and environment in which co-operative ways of doing business are the norm, not the exception.

The minister told plenary on 7 October that work had already started on implementing some of those recommendations. She said: “As this report demonstrates, co-operatives and mutuals offer significant economic and social benefits compared with other business models and have the potential to transform our economy.

“The report’s recommendations cross a number of government areas and I’ve been pleased with the positive response and commitments to them from my cabinet colleagues. I look forward to working with them on ensuring co-operatives and mutuals play a central role in the Welsh economy.”

Commission chair Prof Andrew Davies added: “I am delighted that the Welsh Government has recognised the significant benefits that the co-operative and mutual business models can bring. As the report makes clear, if we want to reap those potential rewards it is important that all government departments work together to promote the concept.

“Co-operatives and mutuals have the potential to transform our economic fortunes, as well as improve our public services. Now is the time to embrace our co-operative tradition in Wales and put it at the centre of the public and private sector.”

The minister has asked Prof Davies and the commission to meet in six months to review progress on implementing the recommendations.

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